Salmonella
.

Recently the American Veterinary Medical Association issued a policy statement discouraging pet owners from feeding raw diets. The American Animal Hospital Association followed with a similar policy statement. Owners of dogs fed raw diets are now excluded from many groups that offer therapy dog visitations to nursing homes and hospitals. And certainly, studies have shown that raw diets do pose a greater risk for bacterial contamination to family members than other pet food sources. This, however, does not imply that commercial dog food is risk free.
Credit: Getty
Just published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is an epidemiology study of a Salmonella outbreak i...

An outbreak of salmonella linked to pet African dwarf frogs sickened nearly 400 people between 2008 and 2011. Now, according to a new report in the medical journal Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control is warning that frogs linked to the outbreak may still be present in some homes.
Because the frogs can live to be up to 18 years old, it is likely that some of the outbreak-linked frogs are still living in home aquariums belonging to unsuspecting owners.
Five more illnesses linked to the frogs occurred last year, a...

If you have recently bought a pig ear from Target for your pooch, you might want to take it back. According to AnnArbor.com, Kasel Associated Industries of Denver is recalling its Boots and Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears and Boots and Barkley Variety Pack Dog Treats that are sold at Target stores because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
If you still have the package, here is what to look for: The 12-pack pig ears were sold in a clear plastic bag with a UPC bar code read 647263899158. The Variety Pack (32 oz.) was also sold a in clear plastic bag marked with UPC bar code 490830400086.
Both products have the lot number BESTBY 13SEP2014DEN. They tested positive for the Salmonella ...

They may seem harmless, but small pet turtles are causing some serious problems for kids. According to LA Times, the Center For Disease Control believes salmonella cases caused by pet reptiles are on the rise.
Currently there are six outbreaks of salmonella that have been traced back to small and illegal pet turtles. In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration banned the sales of turtles four inches or smaller nationwide, due to the creature's connections to the bacteria-borne illness.
These tiny turtles breed the bacteria tha...

According to NBC News, the precious and prickly pets known as hedgehogs might soon be known for something other than supersonic cuteness. At least 14 people in six different states have been infected with salmonella, according to government health officials.
About half of the infected people are children younger than 10. Three people have been hospitalized. The current strain of salmonelle typhimurium has been linked to their pet hedgehogs.
The specific salmonella-carrying suspects are African dwarf hedgehogs that ...

A growing number of pet food companies have been recalling products manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods at its facility in Gaston, S.C., over concerns about Salmonella contamination.
Diamond Pet Foods recalled a three of its brands in April, including Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice dry dog food, Diamond Puppy Formula and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, after Salmonella Infantis was found at its plant, which is believed to have been the cause of 14 cases of Salmonella poisoning in nine states in people who handled the contaminated pet food or were in contact with dogs, according to the CDC.
Pets who have been affected can show the same symptoms as humans, including loss of appet...